National Conference of Youth Ministers 2016

As a conference of youth ministers, the NCYM is “a venue for formation and fellowship” (KA- LAKBAY, p. 181), an occasion for youth ministers to understand their roles and enhance their skills in youth ministry, especially in the light of the Gospel, Church teachings and documents such as KA-LAKBAY. It is also an opportunity to affirm the identity and mission of the youth minister, to strengthen the community of youth ministers, and to promote the task of youth ministry in the bigger mission of the Church.

The chosen Scripture theme for this year’s conference,

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,that we may obtain mercy,and find grace to help in time of need. [Heb. 4:16]

points us to God who is mercy Himself; constantly affirming His love for us and makes it visible and tangible. The NCYM2016 invites us to gather in our Lord Jesus as we continue our pilgrimage in the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, contemplate Him as the face of the Father’s Mercy, and deepen our rootedness in His merciful love (cf. Misericordiae Vultus, 9 and 10).

As the Church in the Philippines also observes 2016 as the Year of the Eucharist and the Family, all of us, children of God, are encouraged to embrace the call to mercy and witness to it in a radical way as a Church. That is, “to be the sacrament of God’s love – to teach as Christ taught, to live as Christ lived, to serve as Christ served, and to love as Christ loved” (cf. KA-LAKBAY, p. 67). To fulfill this mission, we draw our life and strength in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, where He placed this supreme act of revelation in the light of His mercy (cf. MV no. 3).

In the light, then, of these significant occasions in our Church that call us towards a renewed faith and growth in holiness as God’s servants to the youth, this NCYM2016 aims to gather youth ministers in:

Deepening their rootedness in their identity as disciples of Christ and their call to be “merciful like the Father”,

Being empowered to accompany young people in responding to their concerns,

Witnessing radically to the Eucharistic Lord through the joy of love in the family—at home, of the Church, and of all creation, and

Celebrating God’s mercy in Jesus through prayer and the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist.

Where will the NCYM2016 be held? Who is hosting this event?

The Diocese of Dipolog is hosting the NCYM2016. His Excellency, Most Rev. Severo C. Caermare, DD, together with his Diocesan Youth Commission and the whole faith-community of the diocese, are preparing to welcome youth ministers from all over the country.

One of the known attractions in Dipolog City is the P’gsalabuk Circle, a landmark symbolizing the three diverse cultures present the city, i.e. of the Lumad (Subanen), Muslims, and Christian settlers. This landmark affirms the unity that is present amidst the diversity in beliefs and traditions in Dipolog. The P’gsalabuk Circle conveys the harmony of ethnic and historical heritage of the city, its deep-seated values and customs, as well as its continuing progress.*

The Dipolog Cathedral hails our Blessed Mother, under the title of the “Our Lady of the Rosary”, as patroness. As the NCYM2016 takes place on the month of October, dedicated to Mary and the Rosary, we are assured that she, who is full of grace and whose heart treasured divine mercy in perfect harmony with Jesus (cf. MV, 24), will accompany and intercede for us so that like her, we may remain faithful to her Son.

The parishes in the diocese are preparing to welcome the participants in foster families. Many youth ministers who participated in past conferences have affirmed that the NCYM accommodations, homestay-style, has enriched the experience through an exchange of culture and life and a mutual strengthening of faith.

Who are invited to participate?

His Excellency, Most Rev. Leopoldo C. Jaucian, SVD, DD, Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Youth, and his brother-bishops in the ECY, extend the invitation to the diocesan youth ministry councils of each of the 86 ecclesiastical territories (i.e. archdioceses, dioceses, prelatures and apostolic vicariates) in the country, as well as the national councils of the youth organizations affiliated with the FNYO (Federation of National Youth Organizations).

Serving as a formative, network-building and faith-affirming activity at the national level for youth ministers, the ECY highly encourages all the Diocesan Youth Directors, Coordinators and Leaders of the 86 ecclesiastical territories in the Philippines, as well as the National Presidents (or their equivalent) and official representatives of the member-organizations of the FNYO to attend the NCYM2016. The Bishops expect the presence of these youth ministers, also as a way of meeting them personally and seeing them take this opportunity to be enriched by the experience.

Registration is done by accomplishing the NCYM2016 Registration Form as a delegation of the diocese or organization, and sending it to the ECY Secretariat. Through the generosity of the host- diocese, each diocesan youth ministry council and FNYO member-organization is given eight (8) slots. A guide for the use of these slots is available below.

*The Diocesan Youth Director (for a group representing a diocese) and the National President (for a group representing an FNYO member) are taken as the leader of the group. Succeeding communications about the conference will be made to the groups through them.

To register, a solidarity share of P1,200.00 is required of each participant. This amount helps cover the expenses which a large event like the NCYM entails.

Each delegation may submit their payment either by bank deposit or personal transaction in the ECY Secretariat. If the former, a copy of the bank-validated deposit slip has to be sent by fax or email to the ECY. Checks must be made payable to the account name.

Coming up!

World Youth Day Update

DIOCESAN YOUTH DIRECTORS, COORDINATORS and LEADERS YOUTH MINISTERS in the NATIONAL COUNCILS of FNYO-MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS YOUTH MINISTERS in PARISHES, CAMPUSES, YOUTH GROUPS, etc. Your Excellency: Greetings in our Lord who is Mercy! The 31st World Youth Day will take place this year, on July 26-31, in Krakow, Poland; within the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, this event becomes the Jubilee […]

Check out the episodes of WYD Minute series with information and news about the preparation for WYD Krakow 2016. Share it with your friends! For more episodes, pls. subscribe to: Światowe Dni Młodzieży Kraków 2016 / World Youth Day #krakow2016

Divine Mercy Sunday Celebrated in the Archdiocese of Cracow for the last 30 years, in Poland for the last 20 years, in the whole world for the last 15 years. When? On the first Sunday after Easter. Whose idea was it? Jesus! He himself wants us to celebrate this Feast. How do we know this? From […]

Merchandise

KA-LAKBAY: Directory for Catholic Youth Ministry in the Philippines
The ecclesial document on youth ministry for the Catholic Church in the Philippines, published by the CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Youth for P200.00 only!

Youth Encounter Facilitators’ Handbook
Handbook for facilitators of the “official formation program of the CBCP for the youth”
P200.00 only (available for those who have completed the YE-Facilitators Seminar Workshop)

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